He kept mentioning for me to upgrade ... but I think if I hang with him and ride with him that I hoping to get a price as well. I would even be happy and set with a used or trade in as well. But I'm sure the LBS guy will not let me down. I think he was impressed that I could keep up, pull, attack hills, with them with this being my first year back to serious riding since 17-18 years ago.

It may not be this season but I will push for the next season for sure.

Regarding bikes, watch out at the end of the season (Oct-Nov) for some great deals. Especially if you're riding with the owner of the LBS, he'll be able to sort you out with a good deal...

I try and ride with the shop group semi-regularly (started last year and now trying to hang with the fast boys) and visit the LBS pretty often. As a result, I got a great deal on my roadbike because they all knew me. I bought mine last fall - a $3000 CDN bike for $2000 inc taxes can't be beat....

Edited by: WONGERCHI at: 6/13/2008 (13:10)

In God we trust, all others bring data. - W. Edwards Demings

If God invented marathons to keep people from doing anything more stupid, the triathlon must have taken Him completely by surprise. -P.Z. Pearce

I may go that route instead .... save up for the bike for next year or so. I will want to stay in the mid range for pricing. This way I can always upgrade if I really pursue racing competition at my age. LOL

You will notice a huge difference, even with the cheaper entry-level roadbikes these days compared with your old bike. Then give the bike to one of the boys and get him to come riding with you!

FWIW, Wheel Smith does make good rims, of course this depends on what rim/hub/spoke combo you get. With all wheels, be careful buying used - get it looked at (it may need to be trued or the spoke tensioned evened out) at the LBS before you stick them on your bike. Also make sure the rear hub will take your cassette (Campy vs. Shimano).

In God we trust, all others bring data. - W. Edwards Demings

If God invented marathons to keep people from doing anything more stupid, the triathlon must have taken Him completely by surprise. -P.Z. Pearce

I did not think of those issues. I figured rims were rims LOL After our group ride, I received a free lube job on the chain from the LBS manager. I did indicate I would like to upgrade my rims to him. May be what I will do is have him make a recommendation and see if he would keep an eye out for a nice set of used ones???

Hey Jim, When I bought a second set of wheels (Xero XR-1), I had to consider my components to get the right hub (Ultegra 10 v. Campy).

I don't know anything about these wheels. You might want to look for a used, newer bike. Bikes are so much lighter now than your 1990 Raleigh. Today's shifters on the handlebars are so much easier than the downtube shifters.

On craigslist.org in my area are two wheels for $49.00. One is a Wheel Smith brand and the other is a Matrix aurora Model. Are these any good? Are they better than what I would have received (and currently still have the stock rims) on my 1990 Raleigh Technium as stock wheels???

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